IslandTractor
Member
OK, you guys under 50 can ignore this discussion. I've just learned that I am really an old fart after all. I just bought a Tenere and am shocked (shocked!!!) to find out that it is harder to mount/dismount than my last bike (BMW RT100 sold in 1998 when I was still a pup). The Tenere has a top box and panniers mounted so I cannot just lean forward and swing my right leg over. I will be strapping a tent/sleeping bag on the passenger seat so things are only going to get worse too. Other than signing up for Yoga classes at the senior center (yuck) and going on a diet (double yuck) what options do I have? I'm 6'5", 35" inseam and 230lbs at age 66. Consider mounting and dismounting issues while clothed in full touring gear which limits flexibility further (Darien jacket and pants, touring boots).
So far, with bike on side stand and mounting from left, I have either stood behind the saddle and kicked my right foot up to the seat then slid it over (gets saddle dirty and risks hitting tank) or I have stood a few feet to the side of the bike facing it and kicked my right leg up to the saddle (same issue with dirt on saddle but avoids tank). I haven't tried standing on the left foot peg but I don't think I could clear the top box if I did that anyways and I don't think I'm flexible enough to lift my right leg under and over if standing on the peg either.
Dismounting is also a bit embarrassing. If, with sidestand down, I plant left leg and try to dismount I drag my right foot across the saddle and have to hop on the left foot to gain clearance. Not sexy. It is a bit easier if I stand on the left footpeg while bringing the right foot over but visions of tripping mid air while I hop the left foot off dance through my head.
My manhood will suffer if I need to join a Yoga class in order to start my "bucket tour" cross country trip but will suffer more if I need to bungee a step ladder to the bike. Help.
So far, with bike on side stand and mounting from left, I have either stood behind the saddle and kicked my right foot up to the seat then slid it over (gets saddle dirty and risks hitting tank) or I have stood a few feet to the side of the bike facing it and kicked my right leg up to the saddle (same issue with dirt on saddle but avoids tank). I haven't tried standing on the left foot peg but I don't think I could clear the top box if I did that anyways and I don't think I'm flexible enough to lift my right leg under and over if standing on the peg either.
Dismounting is also a bit embarrassing. If, with sidestand down, I plant left leg and try to dismount I drag my right foot across the saddle and have to hop on the left foot to gain clearance. Not sexy. It is a bit easier if I stand on the left footpeg while bringing the right foot over but visions of tripping mid air while I hop the left foot off dance through my head.
My manhood will suffer if I need to join a Yoga class in order to start my "bucket tour" cross country trip but will suffer more if I need to bungee a step ladder to the bike. Help.